The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1887-12-23
To Limit immigration.
THE DAYS HAVE PASSED WHEN EUROPEAN
COUNTRIES CAN PARDON CRIMINALS
UPON CONDITION THAT THEY 60
TO TIE UNITED STATES.


WASHINGTON, Dec. ia promi.
nent member Of congress, being asked
II he had any views to express a. to
the bills introduced for the restriction
of immigration, and Of the proposal Of
the steamship @ mpanies relative to
this subject, said: Il do not hesitate
TO give you my opinion, but do not
wish you for the present to use my
name, because am gathering material
for bill ahd arguments upon the sub
ject: The bills Introduced in congress
30 far, with the exception of Mr..
Reagan, would put the control of the
immigration into the hands of our
consuls. Against this proposition the
steamship companies argue, that there
by large number of worthy people
would be prevented from coming to
this country, while others, less deserv-
ing of American citizenship would be
sent over simply for the purpose of
getting rid of them at home. From
what | have seen during several visits
to Europe, cannot fully agree with
this idea. 1t may be true that some
yourg people who now leave home
without the consent of the local author.
tiles, for the purpose of avoiding mill
tary service, do not have the chance
If coming here. But would not
think that any objectionable people
would be certified to as being ind.pen-
dent, peaceable, orderly and self-sus-
taiuing by the local authorities, upon
whose reports copsuls would be CON-
pelled to rely, unless they were what
they we're represented TO be. The days
have passed when European countries
pardon criminals upon condition that
they 60 to the United States they are
no longer in the habit of leading their
paupers upon our people. The steam
ship companies propose to become re-
sponsible for the character OF the i'm
migrants whom they may bring here.
This they do in the interests of their
business 1t would be easy for them
TO exclude anarchists and paupers, and
they would take no risks in selling
them tickets. But these are not the
most Objectionable Immigrants that We
are contending against. The fact is
that the steamship companies them
selves are largely responsible for the
bad immigrants among the great mars
of the immigrants that have landed
upon our shores within the Fast fifteen
years.
These companies, in their eagerness
to get business and fill their ships,
have agencies throughout Europe.
They have secured all the European
countries, and have entered into con.
tracts with persons in the country to
supply them the working people. They
are collecting and distributing labor.
ers everywhere. They have brought
into this country the Hungarians ant
Sclayonians who have made 80 much
trouble. They have thrown their net
out in the Balkan states of Europe, th'
people which are 40 more fitted to be
come American citizens than are tht
Chinese. For that reason do no
think law which would simply mak'
the steamship companies responsible
for the political character of the i'm
migrants, and for the facts that they
would be self-s"staining.
"We want to restrict aud must re
strict immigration. We do not pro
pose to exclude the intelligent, law
abiding. and hard-working people O
the civilized countries Of Europe. Blu
, we do not want to exclude those who
by reason of their former habits an
condition, are untitled to become il
teIligent and useful American citizen,
) And to do this l think we must pu
) restrictions upon the agencies whic
: have hitherto brought these peopl
l here. At least we must make it harde
I for them to land these persons on ou
shores. For that reason l prcpos
g not only that the consuls of the Unite
}, States in Europe should see to it ths
l paupers are not brought to this countr
but that they should go further an
D pass upon the character of the imm
grants, ascertaining whether they al
: fit persons to become citizens of th
e United States I think this countr
2 is large enough for the millions {
people yet to come, but we wish
!. select those who do come. We hay
!, excluded the Chinese, and if we cannC
exclude the obj"ctional immigrant
1 from Europe, we can at least make
e more difficult for them to enter. A bi
to that end will probably be introduce
r soon after the holidays"